The USMLE, or United States Medical Licensing Examination, has three parts, and it is used to determine the readiness of Physicians with an MD Degree for the practice of medicine. Test takers are tested on their ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles required in the service of safe and effective patient care.

Step 2 of the test is further divided into Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills (CS). The former tests theoretical knowledge, whereas the latter is a test of practical skills.

A lot of material has been written on Step 2 of the test, and navigating through endless tabs and finding a good prep book is needlessly time-consuming. Hence, I have curated a list of the 10 best USMLE Step 2 prep books that are readily available. .

10. Brochert’s Crush Step 2

Brochert’s Crush Step 2 by Saunders is a comprehensive guide for USMLE step 2 prep. It covers all the high-yield topics tested on the step 2 test with plenty of illustrations, tables, and charts to make learning easier.

Key Features:

• Focus on essential information and master it efficiently with thoroughly updated, high-yield coverage of all critical topics.
• Spend more time studying and less time searching thanks to a well-written, easily accessible approach, with plenty of helpful lists and tables to highlight high-yield data.
• Review the whole gamut of essential subjects with coverage of epidemiology and biostatistics, pharmacology and microbiology, cardiac physiology, and primary EKG pathology.
• Coverage of common and life-threatening diseases encountered in orthopedics, urology, ophthalmology, neurosurgery, pediatrics, vascular surgery, and other subspecialties.

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9. USMLE Step 2 CS Core Cases

Kaplan’s USMLE Step 2 CS Core Cases cover some 43 most common and challenging cases relevant to the test’s clinical skills section. Each case is studied step-by-step with explanations behind the logic of each step.

Key Features:

• Fully revised to reflect the recent Step 2 CS exam changes
• A NEW section outlining the differential diagnosis and diagnostic reasoning process
• 43 frequently seen and challenging cases
• Spells out the logic behind each step—key for international medical graduates
• Topics include health checkups, work physicals, telephone calls, end-of-life issues, diabetes checkups, domestic violence, and HIV-related issues

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8. USMLE Step 2 CK QBook by Kaplan

This Kaplan question book is specifically dedicated to the clinical knowledge part of the step 2 exam. It features some 850 exam-style questions and high-yield topics. You will also find critical test information and more.

Key Features:

• 850 exam-style questions you won’t find anywhere else
• Detailed answer explanations so you know which questions you answered correctly and which sections you need extra practice on
• Access to a sample online Question Bank
• Updated test-taking and strategies guide
• Practice for subject-specific areas: Internal Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery

Get it here.

7. Step-Up to USMLE Step 2

This American Medical Association Step 2 prep book is concise and designed for those who want to quickly access relevant information. It is not a comprehensive book like some of the other ones on this list, but it does feature all of the most high-yield topics you will encounter on the test.

Key Features:

• Concise, the Step-Up outline approach focuses on the core content students need to know for quick, efficient study.
• New USMLE-style questions at the end of each chapter give students unparalleled test-taking practice.
• “Quick Hits” in the margins highlight commonly encountered exam topics.
• Easy-to-remember mnemonics help students ensure quick, efficient recall of essential clinical information on their exams.

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6. USMLE Step 2 Secrets

USMLE Step 2 Secrets is a renowned book amongst test takers. It is a quick and concise study of the “secrets” and most common questions followed by detailed answer explanations.

Key Features:

• The proven Secrets® format gives you the most return for your time – concise, easy to read, engaging, and highly effective.
• Essential questions and answers cover the critical conditions you will be expected to recognize, all specialty and subspecialty topics, and necessary clinical concepts.
• Top 100 Secrets, tips, and memory aids provide a fast overview of the secrets you must know for success in practice and exams.
• Portable size makes it easy to carry with you for quick reference or review anywhere, anytime.
• New color images added throughout, plus numerous figures, tables, and summary boxes for a visual overview of essential, board-relevant content.

Get it here.

5. USMLE Step 2 CK Lecture Notes

This Kaplan 5 book set offers the most comprehensive and detailed clinical knowledge study for the Step 2 test. The 5 books are dedicated to various topics such as internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, surgery, and psychiatry.

Key Features:

• Revised every year by Kaplan’s all-star, expert faculty
• 450+ color images similar to those on the exam
• Structured format calling out high-yield topics in the context
• Bridges between specialties and basic science

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4. Step-up to Medicine

The “Step-up” series of books are excellent and widely popular. This book offers a high-yield review of medicine and is ideal for preparing for clerkships or clinical rotations, shelf exams, and the USMLE Step 2.

Key Features:

• Enhanced high-yield outline format, Quick Hits, and Clinical Pearls make this edition even more time-saving and practical.
• A new 100-question, the clinically-oriented practice exam is a useful self-assessment tool to prepare for the questions you will face in clinical practice.
• A brief, outline approach keeps extra material to a minimum.
• Easy-to-follow algorithms show examples of effective clinical reasoning, particularly for similar complaints.
• Numerous charts, tables, graphs, and mnemonics help visual learners facilitate easy retention of essential material.

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3. Master the Boards USMLE Step 2 CK

This Kaplan book contains a complete review of the clinical knowledge exam. It includes hundreds of color-images, flow charts, decision trees, and comparison tables for a visual-oriented study.

Key Features:

• Exam-like focus on best initial test, most accurate test, and a most likely diagnosis
• Hundreds of full-color diagnostic images
• A step-by-step approach to patient care
• Flow charts, decision trees, and comparison tables condense broad topics at a glance
• New patient safety chapter
• Expert tips for recognizing incorrect answers

Get it here.

2. First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CS

The “First Aid” series of books from McGraw Hill is easily the most bought USMLE prep books on the market. This book deals explicitly with the CS part of the step 2 exam and contains a wealth of information.

Key Features:

• 44 full-length practice cases that simulate the actual exam.
• A revised and expanded set of mini-cases representing common complaints.
• Updated content based on feedback from recent U.S. and international test-takers.
• Step-by-step strategies for interacting with standardized patients, including “difficult patients.”
• Detailed descriptions of high-yield physical exam maneuvers that will win you points without costing time.

Get it here.

1. First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK

If you want the most comprehensive guide for Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, then get this book. First Aid for USMLE Step 2 CK is a fantastic resource that summarizes the 1000 most commonly tested topics and hundreds of critical facts and mnemonics to reinforce essential concepts.

Key Features:

• Concise summaries of more than 1,000 commonly tested clinical topics for fast, high-yield study
• Key Facts and mnemonics reinforce must-know concepts
• Expert coverage of best initial steps in diagnosis and management
• Updated Rapid Review section facilitates last-minute cramming
• Hundreds of full-color photographs and illustrations

Get it here.